Have you ever wondered why a man with a guitar sits serenely on the Old Castle Steps? This is the Karel Hašler Statue, a tribute to one of the most beloved Czech songwriters. The artist, Stanislav Hanzík, unveiled it on October 31st, 2009, on what would have been Hašler’s 130th birthday. The official title of the statue is “The Songwriter.” Karel Hašler was a true Renaissance man, known for his theatre work, acting in various roles, composing music and writing lyrics. But it was his songs that made him a national treasure. He composed over 300 songs, many of which have become treasured Czech folk songs. He was a patriot and his songs expressed his love for his country and his fight for freedom. He was arrested in September 1941 by the Gestapo for his patriotic lyrics, and sadly, he was murdered at the Mauthausen concentration camp. It’s hard to imagine that this peaceful monument represents a person who fought against such injustice. Karel Hašler’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the Czech people, and the statue on these steps serves as a constant reminder of his unwavering spirit.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by